The UBC Women in House Program is an innovative, immersive program hosted by the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA) aimed at promoting a greater level of women’s representation in the Canadian government. This faculty-led program is small and experiential in nature. Participants will engage in both academic and practical components and receive direct mentorship from Members of Parliament and Senators. In addition to visiting parliament, participants will attend seminar-style sessions on gender in politics, intersectionality, gendered leadership, as well as generate a digital artifact to capture their learnings and reflections.

Each year this program accepts ten female and female-identifying students, matching them for a full day with a Member of Parliament or Senator, providing students with an opportunity to directly observe political procedures, tour Parliament Buildings, learn about gender equity, and engage in mentorship and networking with Canadian political leaders in Ottawa, Ontario. Participants will also be involved in a second day of learning where they will attend panels and discussions held with journalists, professors, and other practitioners.

Being the only program of its kind in Western Canada, this program provides an important (and free!) learning experience to female and female-identifying students to consider the importance of, challenges with, and barriers to, equitable gender representation in public service while making important connections within government.

This program, running since 2019, has impacted many students, providing provoking and transformative experiences that have contributed to future career aspirations and success, leveraging the power of networks and networking.

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I wanted to be a part of the Women in House program because I come from a developing country with very little female participation not only in government, but also in leadership positions in various sectors. I’m looking forward to an opportunity to compare and contrast what I find here in a developed country with that at home.
Esther Ocheni
Women in House Participant
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It was extremely unique to me that MP Zahid also wore a hijab, a religious symbol that she has received both negative and positive feedback on from her constituents. It was inspiring to learn about her challenges as a woman in politics, her campaign journey with her family, and why her platform goals are most important to her.
Nabila Farid
Women in House Participant

Application Process

The Women in House program for 2025 has been postponed due to prorogation of Parliament and will be rescheduled for the Fall 2025. Please check back for updated information.

Eligibility

This program is open to ten female and female-identifying students enrolled at the University of British Columbia in one of the following programs:

  • Doctor of Political Science
  • Master of Political Science
  • Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs
  • Bachelor of Political Science (4th year)
  • Bachelor of International Relations (4th year)